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Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 234)

Electric Vehicle News and Reviews

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in a short time. Barely a decade has passed since the ambitious Silicon Valley startup Tesla Motors introduced the world to an electric car capable of traveling more than 300 miles on a single charge. Since then, Elon Musk and Tesla have convinced many dubious onlookers that electric vehicles are not only here to stay, but that they can become the future of transportation.

Other automakers have joined the EV movement at very different rates. The Nissan Leaf, for example, debuted in 2010 and went on to become the best-selling all-electric vehicle in the world for a time. Competition from the BMW i3 followed, as well as the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt and its all-electric successor the Chevy Bolt EV, but only the Tesla Model 3 has been able to steal the Leaf's crown. Heading into a new decade, electric vehicles are set to go from strength-to-strength, with new models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV competing in the entry-level category and the Audi e-Tron, Porsche Taycan, or Jaguar I-PACE vying with Tesla at the top end of the market.

With entire classes of vehicle still lacking an electric version, such as pick-up trucks and affordable SUVs, there's huge potential for expansion and growth in the EV marketplace. For now, Tesla is still blazing the trail, but legacy manufacturers are lining up to electrify their fleets and promising startups like Rivian and Byton are waiting in the wings with exciting new electric vehicles.

The future is bright for EVs and you can keep up to date with all the latest stories right here on Torque News.

Tesla Model 3
Tesla's Missed Opportunities To Lower Cost and How Can It Finally Make the $35,000 Model 3
By Damien Ludwick on February 16, 2019 - 4:27PM
Tesla must drastically reduce costs to make the $35,000 model 3 possible. Currently the lowest priced model 3 is $42,900. Tesla has to reduce the cost almost $8,000 to make the $35,000 Model 3 possible. It is important for Tesla to get this vehicle to market as soon as possible to transition to retain profitability and to truly bring sustainable transportation to the masses.

Plug in Hybrid car
This is why Plug-In hybrids still make sense today
By Dean McManis on February 16, 2019 - 9:07AM
In these recent cold days and nights I am reminded of why I like my plug in hybrid. For the last few years I have leased and then owned Chevy Volts, and now I have a Cadillac ELR, which was Cadillac’s short-lived luxury coupe that shared the Volt’s drivetrain. I really liked my Volts, and the ELR even more. The biggest value of a plug in hybrid is that it is essentially an electric car. Here is why.
Hyundai Kona EV
Hyundai's EV Battery That Lasts a Lifetime
By Damien Ludwick on February 16, 2019 - 8:44AM
Hyundai provides lasting peace of mind in its electric vehicles and hybrids with an offering not provided by other EV manufacturers: a lifetime battery warranty. This warranty is provided to the original owner with some restrictions.
Honda Clarity pricing compared to Tesla Model 3.
Real-World Price Comparison Shows Honda Clarity PHEV Costs About Half That of Mid-Range Tesla Model 3
By John Goreham on February 14, 2019 - 11:28AM
The Honda Clarity PHEV is the top-selling affordable EV in America and Tesla's Model 3 is the top-selling EV overall. Here is a real-world price comparison of the two that illustrates just how much more green vehicle buyers will pay for a Model 3.
EV range impacted by cold.
Consumer Reports Study Mirrors AAA's - Tesla Model 3 & Nissan Leaf Range Drops by About 50% In Cold Weather Operation
By John Goreham on February 14, 2019 - 10:13AM
The second study in a week shows that EV range drops by as much as half in cold weather operation. Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf both show similar results.
Rivian R1S Courtesy Rivian Media
The Car Lab Mad Doc Looks to Sign a Pact With Besos and Bloody Mary: Is the GM Buy-In to Rivian the Coming of the American Rolls Royce? Or Just Another GM Saab Story?
By Al Castro on February 13, 2019 - 6:54PM
ANALYSIS AND OPINION: I hope this is about as mad as the mad doctor can be, signing a pact with the almost-devil of the car industry right before industrial birth of start up production. I guess he’ll be the industrial obstetrician. I hope the car baby ain’t no Rosemary’s. Dr. Scaringe is looking to make a deal with a devil who has more money than God. Jeff Besos of Amazon is in with this. What a strange three way this could be. I cringe: gee Doctor: will it be good for you too?
2020 Subaru Forester, e-Boxer Hybrid, new electrified Subaru, Geneva Motor Show
Subaru Announces 2 New Electrified AWD Reveals For Geneva
By Denis Flierl on February 12, 2019 - 7:23AM
Subaru announced they will unveil two new electrified models at the Geneva International Motor Show. See what they have planned for the future.
Tesla winter driving from Tesla Media. The plug is from torquenews.com
BEV Range Freeze: The Cold Realities of BEV Winter Driving, Summer is Only Half as Bad
By Al Castro on February 11, 2019 - 3:45PM
ANALYSIS AND OPINION: Extreme weather driving has taken a toll on electric vehicle ranges as we watch BEV owners struggle to stay charged through the winter, their Tesla Model 3 door handles thaw, while the rest watch and learn from their triumphs, trials, and mistakes. I like to say “less is more,” but when it comes to extreme weather driving and batteries, more is more, tiny is workable, keep it plugged in if its 20° F or less, keep it cool over 95° F, and be prepared with options regardless.
Electric vehicle range cut in winter.
New AAA Study Shows Electric Vehicle Range Is Cut Dramatically In Winter - How Did Tesla Do?
By John Goreham on February 8, 2019 - 5:15PM
A new study by AAA shows that electric vehicle range limitations are made worse in winter.
Tesla Powerpack
Tesla's Free Supercharging Was Great, But How To Create Sustainable EV Charging
By Damien Ludwick on February 5, 2019 - 11:42AM
How to make sustainable transportation well sustainable: EV charging sustainable both financially and environmentally.
Aurora Electric Autonomous Air Taxi
A New Breed of Pilots... Missing in Aurora Flight Test
By Damien Ludwick on February 4, 2019 - 10:26PM
A week ago, Aurora launched an experimental “autonomous” flying (PAV) Passenger Air Vehicle: the first full-scale electric air taxi. Aurora hovered the aircraft a few feet in flight and then let it back down.
Toyota Prius drop. Here's why.
Prius Sales Fell Off A Cliff In January - Was It Tesla, Or Could This Be The Real Reason Why?
By John Goreham on February 4, 2019 - 3:18PM
Toyota Prius sales declined at the fastest rate in a decade in January. Maybe the reason isn't what we all assume.
What does Jaguar I-Pace offer that Tesla does not?
2019 Jaguar I-Pace - What It Offers That Tesla Models Do Not
By John Goreham on February 4, 2019 - 12:28PM
We tested the battery electric vehicle Jaguar I-Pace this week and looked for things that Jaguar includes in its new crossover that Tesla does not offer. The list is pretty long.
From Jalopnik.com man caught sleeping in Tesla
Driving Distracted While AutoPilot, and the Dangerous Brinksmanship that Goes With It
By Al Castro on February 3, 2019 - 5:45AM
ANALYSIS AND OPINION: I wonder if the people who are caught red handed being “distracted while AutoPilot” realize how lucky they are they got away with their crime. Unlike the people who I last wrote about who face the wrath of the NTSB and the courts for their tort who proclaim “my Tesla did it, not me,” “driving distracted while AutoPilot” is a crime of reckless endangerment, and most are getting away with it without realizing it.
Koenigsegg Revera
Koenigsegg To Introduce $1.5 Million ‘Entry-Level’ Supercar
By Marc Stern on February 2, 2019 - 9:06PM
Supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg, whose production has maxxed out its facility, and Chinese carmaker NEVS have agreed to build a new "entry-level" supercar. The cost will be only $1.5 million.
A Family Portrait of the Tesla Model Range Courtesy Tesla Media
With Lower Priced and Less S and X, Tesla Revamps Model Range Structure and Readies for Base Model 3 Production
By Al Castro on February 1, 2019 - 6:40AM
By selling the entire model range in three categories, Tesla Corporation makes each car more cheaply, and simplifies discerning which car is which. If you want “Ludicrous,” which now comes in a separate upgrade package at a $20,000 premium, no more looking at old school Bentley-like badges to see battery energy capacity, you just look for “Performance.” This also helps with pricing and sales: by having cheaper Base Models S and X, Tesla is getting ready to sell Base Model 3.
EV and ICE gas station pumps
How Cars Like Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf Disrupt Gas Stations
By Damien Ludwick on January 31, 2019 - 3:55PM
The disruption of the gas station is looming. What will the future gas station look like? Cars like Tesla Model S, Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt will turn the future gas station into a Wall Connector charging your car inside your garage. Most likely it will be two cars load sharing on a charger powered by 14 solar panels.
vw dune buggy concept
VW’s Goes Back To The Past For Another Electric Concept
By Marc Stern on January 31, 2019 - 2:51PM
Volkswagen has gone back for another look at one of its future cars. At Geneva's Motor Show next month, the automaker will debut its latest concept electric that takes its cues from the dune buggies that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
The world of Tesla AutoPilot courtesy Tesla and Wikipedia
“My Tesla Did it:” The Push Button Excuse from Life’s Responsibilities. Owning Technology Before it Owns Us
By Al Castro on January 31, 2019 - 6:27AM
ANALYSIS AND OPINION: One of the worse things a driver can do in a late model car engaged in an accident is to fib or outright lie. You see, whether you realize it, their car may help you, but your car is going to make it really easy to tell your side of the story, with data and soon even images, sooner than later, and regardless of what kind of shape the car is in, and whether for your benefit or not. Your car always telling the truth, is one thing! Getting on the same page with you, is another.
Tesla lost a $ billion in 2018.
Tesla Lost About A Billion Dollars In 2018 - But There Is Good News
By John Goreham on January 31, 2019 - 12:01AM
Tesla has lost another billion dollars, but look past that and the future is bright.
Toyota Prius Plug in Hybrid
Why did Toyota suddenly partner with Panasonic on EV batteries?
By Damien Ludwick on January 30, 2019 - 1:52PM
Toyota has finally taken notice to where its Prius drivers defected, and it was not the Honda Accord. They have converted to all electric Tesla vehicles. The expansion of Toyota-Panasonic battery partnership, announced a week ago, is a clear sign that Toyota is gradually moving toward battery-electric cars. Has Toyota waited too long to go all-electric? Why would Prius and other drivers defect to Tesla?
Tesla ends referral program.
Tesla's Latest Cancelled Program - Referral Perqs - Ends Friday
By John Goreham on January 29, 2019 - 4:09PM
Tesla's referral program goes the way of free supercharging. Here are the details.
Tesla Autopilot on a highway
The Future Now - A Fighter Pilot’s View On Tesla Autopilot
By Damien Ludwick on January 29, 2019 - 1:38PM
After completing a month on Tesla’s autopilot trial on the Model 3 it is clear - Tesla is currently the most technologically advanced automobile you can currently purchase and drive. The ability to update and improve the vehicle via a software update is a competitive advantage not available to any current automobile manufacturer. Including the ability to send an autopilot trial over the air.
Ford hybrid V8 AWD Patent Image
Ford V8 AWD Hybrid Drive Patent Discovered, Possibly for Mustang and F-150
By Patrick Rall on January 28, 2019 - 12:00PM
It has been known for some time that Ford will eventually offer a hybrid variant of the Mustang and the F-150, but a patent filing from the Motor Company reveals a V8 hybrid drivetrain that also integrates all-wheel-drive – possibly signaling the first Mustang that powered all four wheels.
Red Chevy Volt 2015
How Can GM Bring Back The Chevy Volt from China
By Ivan Jue on January 26, 2019 - 12:50PM
Bringing Back Chevy Volt from China could help GM to use the Volt as a transitional vehicle for a bit longer, so General Motors may have the time to launch additional electric car offerings.
Tesla Model 3 ready for delivery and checklist
Tesla Model 3 Delivery Checklist: Detailed and Complete
By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 1:05PM
A lot of people all over the world are about to get their Tesla Model 3. Here is a very nice delivery checklist that you can use. Thanks Navid Gondal and Chris Davis from TM3SLO website for permission to use this Model 3 delivery checklist.
Bukoff's letter to Mark Reuss questioning Chevy Volt termination
Email I sent to Mark Reuss - By killing the Volt now, you are throwing away the best transition vehicle
By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 12:33PM
Mark Reuss, could You give us a better explanation of why GM is killing the Volt now? asks Allen Bukoff, an automotive researcher and an avid EV enthusiast in this letter sent to Mark Reuss, the president of General Motors. It's a very interesting letter asking valid questions about untimely termination of Chevy Volt when the new generation of EVs are still two years away from showing up.
The 1964 Chrysler Imperial Crown Ghia and a sample of the Luxury Brands
The Cadillac XT6-Gate Debate: Luxury Car Brands: Are They Even Needed Anymore In the Age of Car Sharing, RoboTaxis, and Autonomy?
By Al Castro on January 25, 2019 - 11:22AM
ANALYSIS AND OPINION: It’s not looking too good in the public relations arena for Cadillac and GM when the national, now world conversation nows turns toward questioning the existence of luxury car brands after the Cadillac XT6-Gate GM Debacle. Aston Martin’s CEO weighed in with the XT6-Gate to establish six ultra brands, and none of the ones below it like Cadillac will surpass them. But let’s be clear: XT6-Gate is an American problem, not a European one.
Tesla Model 3 Resale Value by Kelley Blue Book
Great News For Tesla Model 3 Resale Value Based on Very Little Data
By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 10:37AM
According to the list of Kelley Blue Book's 2019 Best Resale Value Award Winners Tesla Model 3 is apparently going to hold its resale value better than its closest competition. However, Tesla Model 3's resale valuation raises lots of questions as its based on a very little data.
Porsche E-Taycan
Porsche Doubles Electric Taycan Production Before First Sold
By Marc Stern on January 24, 2019 - 11:01PM
Even before the first Taycan has rolled off an assembly line, Porsche has doubled the number of E-Taycans that will be built this year. It also expects that it will sellout of the 2020 personal sports electric.
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